Regicide had a moment in 2021. This diminutive card game from publisher Badgers From Mars claimed a bulk of tabletop discourse for several months. It earned that clout by providing a very satisfying and challenging co-operative experience with a strong identity, despite being a simple deck of cards.
There is a story here, although it’s faint. Players are working together to defeat 12 powerful enemies, each fantastically illustrated as a very stylish fantasy villain. You take turns playing cards from your hand, dealing damage in an attempt to take out the villain. Satisfyingly, there is a strong tactical element textured through special abilities that are triggered by each suit. This secondary consideration is how you block return damage, draw more cards, manage your shared deck, or deal a devastating blow to your adversary.